Wow.

💧💧💧* cue the waterworks * 💧💧💧

Writing that headline caused a huge wave of emotion.

Why?

Because, after what can only be described as possibly one of the most HELLISH years for businesses worldwide, I’m here, celebrating my second year as a Freelance Content Writer!

And I feel pretty damn grateful.

This time last year, we were knee-deep in a pandemic that was only just beginning. Businesses were panicked, people were losing their jobs and most of us were just trying to keep our heads above water.

During this time, I’ve seen strength and bravery in a whole new light.

I’ve seen clients transform their businesses. I’ve seen clients step away from their comfort zone and enter new spaces. I’ve seen clients fight every day to remain open. And I’ve seen clients have to make the painful yet necessary decision to walk away or start again.

I’ve learned the true meaning of resilience. I’ve doubted my own abilities and I’ve even questioned the direction of CopyKate at times.

Fast forward 12 months and I’m starting to feel excited again for what’s to come. And not only that, but on reflection, I’m (surprisingly) realising how vital the experience of running a business throughout a pandemic has been for my personal and business growth.

Here are a few of my key takeaways from Year 2 👇

The word "Nope" written with paint on a wooden floor

Hard Pass on Hustle Culture

I’m a doer. In the fullest sense of the word. If it needs to get done, I will find a way to get it done.

Emails at 11 pm? Sure! Last-minute project requests? No problem.

Business owners are praised for being busy. For getting things done and for always being “on”. There is an ENORMOUS amount of pressure to be constantly growing, innovating, building, increasing.

But what about celebrating taking a break? Or turning on your “out of office”? Or setting boundaries?

I understand that this is a privileged stance to take and often we don’t have a choice to step back and take a breather, but I think it’s important to recognise the impact hustle culture can have on our mental and physical health. It’s time that we stop putting this pressure on ourselves and each other.

Thank you, next!

I hesitated about including this section at the risk of sounding “out of touch” or entitled. But hear me out.

One of the hardest lessons that I learned as a business owner last year, is that not everyone is your ideal customer.

Not everyone is going to get your business. Not everyone is going to want to buy what you’re offering and not everyone is going to see the value you offer. And that’s okay.

As a small business owner, I rely on a consistent stream of work to keep myself afloat. And turning down work or a potential client is gutwrenching, especially when you can see those €€€ literally going down the drain.

BUT…

I set up my business to be happier. To have flexibility. To allow me to do what I enjoy most in the world, writing. I have certain values that are non-negotiable and I want to work with clients that have respect and trust in my process.

Paper sign taped to window that reads "Help Wanted"

Okay, fine! I need help…

Okay, I’m cheating a little here as I included this in my “lessons” from my first year in business. But, in truth, I had to re-learn this lesson again this year. One of my least favourite traits about myself is that I HATE not knowing how to do something. I’m the type of person who will spend HOURS (sometimes days, eek!) researching how to do something rather than asking for help.

We all have areas of our work that we dread, that keep us up at night or that quite honestly, we just don’t have the skillset for.

Last year, I swallowed my pride and made a promise to myself that I would try and stop doing that. With my first tax return looming, I knew I needed to outsource.

And so, I approached Edel at Accelerate Accounting for support with my Tax Returns and I can honestly say that it was one of the best business decisions I’ve made to date. With my taxes now in excellent hands, not only are my stress levels reduced but my focus can go on other areas of my business. Lesson, well and truly learned.

Hi, I’m Kate and I’m a lonely business owner

I’m an introvert. The kind of introvert that is a little nervous about things reopening and returning back to the pressures of “being sociable”. But running a business alone is lonely. I mean… there really is only so much your family and friends can listen to about your Tax Return or your latest social media post!

Earlier this year, I went against the voices in my head shouting “NO! Don’t do it” and joined a networking group with my Local Enterprise Office. The group meets weekly, sometimes twice per week and having this pencilled in, is comforting in itself. I know that every week, I will have the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, share experiences and learn from others. I’ve noticed a big difference in my mood and energy levels after every session and honestly, I think it’s mainly the buzz of some social interaction (thanks, COVID).

What’s next for CopyKate?

Following 2020, I would be foolish to think I could predict what the next year holds for me and my business BUT I have my sight set on some pretty ambitious goals and changes. As I continue to work with my incredible clients, I’m learning what style of work I enjoy and will continue to lean towards promoting this more in my third business year. Expect more packages, workshops and even some new services coming your way.

And speaking of new…

I’ve stepped out of my own comfort zone recently, diving headfirst into video content like Reels, IGTV….and even TikTok (I’m sorry Gen Z 😬😂) I hope to expand on this more throughout the next 12 months to find my space within this unfamiliar landscape.

Great things I want to celebrate

🎉 Hosting my first workshop.

🎉 Outsourcing my tax returns to Edel & the team at Accelerate Accounting

🎉 Launching my new website design. Stressful but oh. so. worth. it

🎉 New clients! You know who you are and I adore you!

Resources that I couldn’t have lived without

Tools (I use pretty much every day)

Asana: My ride or die Project Management tool of choice.
Canva: Need I say anymore?…
Quickbooks: Financial Tracking made much more manageable.
Later.com: Excellent social media scheduler. I use this for my business and also for many of my clients.
My “Let’s Write” Spotify Playlist: Not to toot my horn, but it’s pretty great 😎

Books (a few that stood out)

The Imposter Cure by Dr Jessamy Hibberd
Profit First: Transform your business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz (thanks to Accelerate Accounting for the rec)
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
You’re the Business by Anna Codrea-Rado

And Lastly, a HUGE Thank You! 💕

To my family, partner, friends, clients, network, fellow business owners and supporters. You’ve made this stressful, confusing, exciting and overwhelming second year in business so much better.

Here’s to YEAR 3! 🎉

Are you a fellow business owner? Where are you in YOUR journey? What lessons have you learned in the past year? I’d love for you to share in the comments 👇